2022 Lexus ES
Independent review & score by Carivo
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $39,940–$47,695 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2022 Lexus ES is a sedan that earns a Carivo score of 8.1/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.9/10, while Value at 7.6/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability stands out at 8.8/10. The ES nameplate has earned that score through its track record and a comparatively clean recall sheet. On safety, it scores 8.9/10 in our assessment. Always confirm the official crash-test results for your exact trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Few rivals match it for performance: 8.6/10. Expect handling and power delivery that make this one of the more entertaining sedans to actually drive. On technology it rates 8.3/10: a modern, well-integrated suite that compares favorably with anything at this price point.
Priced from $39,940–$47,695, 28 MPG, seating 5, the Lexus ES sits in the mid-market bracket of the sedan segment. At 7.6/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. At 4 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Verdict: Nothing about the 2022 Lexus ES will scare a sensible buyer off. It scores consistently across the board, and it does what a good sedan should — quietly and competently.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2022 Lexus ES ranks #117 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 91% of the segment. Its 8.1/10 overall score is 0.6 points above the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $39,940 starting price is about 44% above the segment's median of $27,664.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2019 Lexus ES scores 8.1/10 — within striking distance of the 2022's 8.1 — and starts roughly $4,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 8.4/10 | $43,764 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 8.3/10 | $42,490 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 8.3/10 | $41,215 | Read review → |
| 2022 (this review) | 8.1/10 | $39,940 | |
| 2021 | 8.1/10 | $38,665 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 8.1/10 | $37,391 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 8.1/10 | $36,116 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.9/10 | $34,841 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.9/10 | $33,567 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.9/10 | $32,292 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.8/10 | $31,017 | Read review → |
| 2014 | 7.4/10 | $26,600 | Read review → |
Other sedans at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Lexus models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.